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Budget-Fri​endly Holiday Fashion Tips for the Fashionist​a

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

With shopping season at its peak, a closet filled with presents for your loved ones may leave you with no budget for your own wardrobe. And digging deep into your closet for a recycled getup may result in a disastrous fashion faux pas. Its holiday party season and you need a solution—FAST! With these guidelines from Fashion Designer and Expert Claudia Patel get inspired and update your look. Jingle your way to the top of the ‘nice’ list—of best holiday look, that is.

When in Doubt, Stick to Basics

It’s always easier to update a basic look, then to downplay a one hit wonder. Steer clear of last season’s printed trends that have expired. Spice up winter white, nude and black with the right accessories. Wearing nude? Throw on a black blazer, grab your basic black pumps and pair it with big drop down earrings and one of this season’s bold nail colors like deep reds or blues. Transform your LBD into a soft feminine look with a neutral flowy cardigan and neutral pumps perfect for this year’s office party. Browse your closet and play with complimentary colors without being too matchy-matchy.

If it fits like a glove, that is your statement.

— Elle Strauss, Senior Fashion Editor for "Lucky" Magazine

Patterned Tights/Stockings

A simple way to update a recycled dress would be to pair it with patterned tights. Strut into your friend’s holiday party with the confidence of a true fashionista. Whether lace or leopard, make sure your patterns don’t clash with your dress. Stick to a basic color dress and play up your legs. Try a nude dress with black lace tights, or a black dress with bold animal print. Steer clear of patterned dresses with patterned leggings/stockings — you don’t want to overdo bold.

Sweater Dress Comeback

Remember when you bought tons of long sweaters to compliment your tights? Well, your sweater dress can make a big comeback at this year’s holiday party—appropriate for work parties and social gatherings with friends. Grab your favorite dressy long sweater, and if it’s patterned or printed pair it with a pair of nude or black peep toe pumps. For solid colors, throw on a wide playful belt. We're feverishly fawning over the Baby Doll Sweater Dress ($115 at On the Hook).

A Dress Nip and Tuck

A stylist’s secret can be your biggest holiday savior—hem tape. Have a knee-length LBD tucked away in the back of your closet? Give it a quick – yet stunning style makeover with simple altercations.

Fashion Fling was co-founded by HilLesha O'Nan, a lifestyle blogger and vegetarian that's passionate about photography, fashion, beauty, home improvement, traveling, cooking, and wellness. She resides in Evansville, Indiana with her husband and 3 children. She has worked with companies like Princess Cruises, eBay, Best Buy, and Microsoft.

HilLesha O'Nan is also the founder of To the Motherhood and The Beauty Counter.